ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Information & Broadcasting
Ministry of I&B holds special screening of 'Rocketry: The Nambi Effect'
Film based on the life of former ISRO scientist, Padma Bhushan awardee Shri Nambi Narayanan
The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting organized a special screening of the upcoming film 'Rocketry: The Nambi Effect' at Siri Fort Auditorium, New Delhi. The screening was attended by the team Rocketry led by the writer, producer, director Shri R. Madhavan, who is also playing the titular lead role and has made a directorial debut with this movie. The screening was attended by former Director CBI Shri D. R. Karthikeyan, former IG CBI Shri P.M. Nair, senior officials in the Government of India, and stakeholders from the film industry. The film was applauded by the audience for its script, editing, acting and portrayal of the inspiring story of the life of Shri Nambi Narayanan.
Speaking on the occasion, Shri R. Madhavan said that the film is a celebration of India’s technological prowess across the space and IT sectors. The movie is a tribute to the master Mr. Nambi Narayanan whose ‘Vikas’ engine never failed. It also conveyed the message of India’s soft power skill sets to the world with regard to human resource expertise and scientific excellence.
Rocketry: The Nambi Effect is an upcoming Indian biographical drama film based on the life of real-life scientist Nambi Narayanan, a former scientist and aerospace engineer of the Indian Space Research Organisation, who was accused of espionage in 1994. The World Premiere of ‘Rocketry: The Nambi Effect’ was held during the 75th Cannes Film Festival. The Film received a standing ovation at Cannes Film Festival.
Speaking on the occasion, Shri Apurva Chandra, Secretary, I&B said that the film is not only gripping, but also touches the hearts of the audience. He added that the film pays tribute to the thousands of scientists, including Shri Nambi Narayanan, who have dedicated their entire life to the achievements of India’s space programme.
Former IG CBI Shri P.M. Nair said that the film is entertaining, captivating, and very meaningful. It is a perfect combination of science, technology and emotion, he added. The film would be welcomed not only in India, but across the world.
The photography of the film took place across several countries including India, Georgia, Russia, Serbia and France. The film was shot simultaneously in Tamil, Hindi and English and will also be released in dubbed versions of Telugu, Malayalam, and Kannada languages. The film is scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release on 1st July 2022.
Ministry of Railways
On mission mode, Railways pulls Freight traffic ahead of last year's level inspite of COVID 19 related challenges
On 27 July 2020 the freight loading was 3.13 MT which is higher than last year for the same date
Average speed of Freight Trains on 27 July 2020 was more than double as compare to last year for the same date
In the month of July the average speed of freight trains around double as compare to last year for the same month
On mission mode, Indian Railways achieved a significant milestone of pulling freight traffic ahead of last year's level inspite of COVID 19 related challenges. On 27 July 2020 the freight loading was 3.13 MT which is higher than last year for the same date.
It may be noted that Hon’ble Prime Minister had emphasized upon achievement of long term and far reaching goals during the lockdown. Accordingly, Railways has completed nearly 200 infrastructure works in this period. Now Railways has achieved a milestone in freight transportation also.
The average speed of Freight Trains on 27 July 2020 was 46.16 kmph which is more than double as compare to last year for the same date . In the month of July the average speed of freight trains is 45.03 kmph which is around double as compare to last year for the same month . West Central Railway with the average speed of 54.23 kmph, Northeast Frontier Railway with the speed of 51 kmph, East Central Railway 50.24 kmph, East Cost Railway 41.78 kmph, South East Central Railway 42.83 kmph, South Eastern Railway 43.24 kmph and Western Railway with the speed of 44.4 kmph are the leading Railway Zones in the average speed of freight train in Indian Railways.
On 27 July 2020 the total freight loading was 3.13 million tonnes which is higher than last year for the same date. On 27 July 2020 total 1039 no. of rakes loaded with freight in Indian Railways which includes 76 rakes of foodgrain, 67 rakes of fertilizer, 49 rakes of steel, 113 rakes of cement, 113 rakes of iron ore and 363 rakes of coal.
It may be noted that these improvements in freight movements will be institutionalized and incorporated in the upcoming zero based time table. These steps will lead to significantly higher freight traffic and earnings for Railways and cost competitive logistics for the entire country.
It is worth mentioning that a number of concessions/ discounts are also being given in Indian Railways to make Railways Freight movement very attractive.
Covid 19 has been used by Railways an opportunity to improve all round efficiencies and performances.
Cabinet
Cabinet approves Opening of a new Consulate General of India in Addu City, Maldives
The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved the opening of a new Consulate General of India in Addu City, Maldives in 2021.
India and Maldives share ethnic, linguistic, cultural, religious and commercial links steeped in antiquity. Maldives occupies an important place in the 'Neighbourhood First Policy' and the 'SAGAR’  vision of the Government of India.
Opening of a Consulate General in Addu City will help augment India's diplomatic presence in Maldives and make it commensurate with the existing and aspired level of engagement.
The momentum and energy in the bilateral relationship has reached unprecedented levels under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi and President Solih.
This is also a forward-looking step in pursuit of our national priority of growth and development or 'SabkaSaathSabka Vikas'. Augmentation of India's diplomatic presence will, inter-alia, provide market access for Indian companies and bolster Indian exports of goods and services. This would have a direct impact in augmenting domestic production and employment in line with our goal of a self-reliant India or 'Atmanirbhar Bharat'.
Ministry of Home Affairs
Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah congratulates all the countrymen on the inauguration of the new Parliament House by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has dedicated the new Parliament House to the nation, this building is not only the place for fulfilling the aspirations of the people but also the starting point of India's journey towards excellence in every field during Amritkal
The Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, also expresses gratitude to the hard work of Shram Yogis who fulfilled the nation's dream of building a new Parliament House in record time
The establishment of Sengol in the Parliament House by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has created a bridge between India's cultural heritage and its present
It will continue to remind the coming generations of India about the importance of virtues of righteousness in our rich culture
Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah congratulates all the countrymen on the inauguration of the new Parliament House by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.
In his tweets, Shri Amit Shah said that Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has dedicated the new Parliament House to the nation. He said that this building is not only the place for fulfilling the aspirations of the people but also the starting point of India's journey towards excellence in every field during Amrit Kaal.
The Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation also expressed gratitude to the hard work of the Shram Yogis who fulfilled the nation's dream of building a new Parliament House in record time.
Shri Amit Shah said that the establishment of Sengol in Parliament House by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has created a bridge between India's cultural heritage and its present. He said that this will continue to remind the coming generations of India about the importance of virtues of righteousness in our rich culture.
Cabinet
Cabinet approves a project for saturation of 4G mobile services in uncovered villages at a total cost of Rs. 26,316 Cr
Digital inclusion and connectivity for all is an integral part of ‘antyodaya’ vision of the Government. Last year Government approved a project for providing 4G mobile services in 7,287 uncovered villages in 44 aspirational districts across 5 states.
In his Independence Day address in 2021, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi gave a call for saturation of government schemes. The Union Cabinet today approved a project for saturation of 4G mobile services in uncovered villages across the country at a total cost of Rs. 26,316 Cr.
The project will provide 4G mobile services in 24,680 uncovered villages in remote and difficult areas. The project has a provision to include 20% additional villages on account of rehabilitation, new-settlements, withdrawal of services by existing operators etc. In addition, 6,279 villages having only 2G/3G connectivity shall be upgraded to 4G.
The project will be executed by BSNL using Atmanirbhar Bharat’s 4G technology stack and will be funded through Universal Service Obligation Fund. The project cost of Rs. 26,316 Cr includes capex and 5 year opex.
BSNL is already in process of deployment of Atmanirbhar 4G technology stack, which will be deployed in this project as well.
The project is a significant step towards the vision of the Government to provide mobile connectivity in rural areas. This project will promote delivery of various e-governance services, banking services, tele-medicine, tele-education etc. through mobile broadband and generate employment in rural areas.
Ministry of Science & Technology
Modern technology and Indian traditional knowledge combine to bring safe & healthy drinking water
Modern technology and Indian traditional knowledge of Ayurveda have been combined for a solution to disinfect water completely and also offer possible health benefits of natural oils.
Disinfection of water is essential for removing pathogenic microorganisms that are responsible for causing a number of water-borne diseases. However, the common drawbacks of chemical methods such as chlorination include formation of harmful/ carcinogenic disinfection by-products. Therefore, it is pertinent to develop technology that provides safe and healthy drinking water at low cost with substantial ease of operation, scale-up, and without harmful disinfection by-products.
Scientists, Dr. VM Bhandari and his group at CSIR-NCL Pune, with support from the Water Technology Initiative of the Department of Science and Technology , Government of India, has developed the novel hybrid technology called SWASTIIK’ that involves boiling of a liquid as a result of pressure reduction  and also uses natural oils having antimicrobial properties. This technology can eliminate harmful bacteria, including antimicrobial-resistant bacteria, economically. It not only integrates Indian traditional knowledge of Ayurveda for complete disinfection of water but also may offer possible health benefits of natural oils.
The technique used ---hydrodynamic cavitation combines chemistry, biology, and chemical engineering along with natural resources in the form of natural oils and plant extracts. The process, which draws inspiration from Indian traditional knowledge, has resulted in increased efficiency and reduced cost of water treatment. The team achieved complete elimination for gram-negative E. coli and gram-positive S. aureus bacteria and even AMR bacteria/ difficult opportunistic pathogenic bacteria typically in 5-10 minutes. It was observed that increased rates of disinfection using oil can drastically reduce the time of operation and consequently reduce cost as compared to other advanced treatment processes.
The novel strategy of SWASTIIK  can have significant benefits in terms of providing SAFE WATER and also possible health benefits that can also boost immunity, an important aspect as underlined in the current COVID-19 era.
Process flow diagram and possible prototype for household use and corporation water treatment plant
Mechanism of the new hybrid cavitation technology using natural oils
Students demonstrating hybrid cavitation technology at NCL and IIT Bombay-TechFest-2020
Prime Minister's Office
PM praises Honey Lab at Banas Complex-Badarpura
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has hailed Honey Lab at Banas Complex-Badarpura.
In a tweet the Prime Minister said:
"When it comes to innovation, @banasdairy1969 has always been at the forefront. Good to see this important step towards strengthening India’s strides in the sweet revolution. The Honey Lab will be greatly beneficial for the sector."
Ministry of Defence
Air Marshal VR Chaudhari AVSM VM Assumes Command of Western Air Command
Air Marshal VR Chaudhari AVSM VM took over as Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Western Air Command, Indian Air Force  on 01 Aug 2020. The Air Marshal took over command from Air Marshal B Suresh PVSM AVSM VM ADC.
Air Marshal VR Chaudhari was commissioned into Fighter Stream of the IAF on 29 Dec 1982 as a Fighter Pilot. In a distinguished career spanning nearly 38 years, the Air Officer has flown wide variety of fighter and trainer aircraft in the inventory of IAF. He has a flying experience of more than 3800 hrs, including operational flying on MiG-21, MiG-23 MF, MiG 29 and Su-30 MKI fighter aircraft.
During his illustrious career in the IAF, the Air Officer has held numerous important appointments. He was Commanding Officer of a frontline fighter squadron and has also commanded a frontline Fighter Base. As an Air Vice Marshal, he held the coveted appointments of Assistant Chief of Air Staff Operations , Assistant Chief of Air Staff  at Air HQ Vayu Bhawan. As an Air Marshal, he held the appointment of Deputy Chief of the Air Staff at Air HQ Vayu Bhawan. Prior to his present appointment, he was the Senior Air Staff Officer, Eastern Air Command. The Air Marshal is an alumnus of the Defence Services Staff College, Wellington.
In recognition of his distinguished service, the Air Marshal was awarded Vayu Sena Medal in January 2004 and the Ati Vishist Seva Medal in January 2015.
Ministry of New and Renewable Energy
Ajay Yadav appointed Managing Director, Solar Energy Corporation of India Limited 
Shri Ajay Yadav, a 2005 batch IAS officer of the Bihar cadre has assumed the charge of Managing Director, Solar Energy Corporation of India Limited .
Solar Energy Corporation of India Limited  is a Miniratna Category-I Central Public Sector Enterprise  incorporated in the year 2011, SECI is the primary implementing agency of the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, Govt. of India for Renewable Energy schemes/projects towards fulfilment of India's international commitments.
Till date, SECI has awarded Renewable Energy  project capacities of over 58 GW. SECI is also active in setting up of projects through its own investments as well as for other public sector entities as Project Management Consultant . SECI enjoys highest credit rating of AAA by ICRA.
Ministry of Finance
Recommendations of the 33rd GST Council meeting
Real estate sector is one of the largest contributors to the national GDP and provides employment opportunity to large numbers of people. “Housing for All by 2022” envisions that every citizen would have a house and the urban areas would be free of slums. There are reports of slowdown in the sector and low off-take of under-construction houses which needs to be addressed. To boost the residential segment of the real estate sector, following recommendations were made by the GST Council in its 33rd meeting held today:
- GST rate:
- GST shall be levied at effective GST rate of 5% without ITC on residential properties outside affordable segment;
- GST shall be levied at effective GST of 1% without ITC on affordable housing properties.
- Effective date: The new rate shall become applicable from 1st of April, 2019.
- Definition of affordable housing shall be:-
A residential house/flat of carpet area of upto 90 sqm in non-metropolitan cities/towns and 60 sqm in metropolitan cities having value upto Rs. 45 lacs .
Metropolitan Cities are Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi NCR , Hyderabad, Kolkata and Mumbai .
- GST exemption on TDR/ JDA, long term lease , FSI:
Intermediate tax on development right, such as TDR, JDA, lease , FSI shall be exempted only for such residential property on which GST is payable.
- Details of the scheme shall be worked out by an officers committee and shall be approved by the GST Council in a meeting to be called specifically for this purpose.
- Advantages of the recommendations made:
The new tax rate in principle was approved by the Council taking into consideration the following advantages:-
- The buyer of house gets a fair price and affordable housing gets very attractive with GST @ 1%.
- Interest of the buyer/consumer gets protected; ITC benefits not being passed to them shall become a non-issue.
- Cash flow problem for the sector is addressed by exemption of GST on development rights, long term lease , FSI etc.
- Unutilized ITC, which used to become cost at the end of the project gets removed and should lead to better pricing.
- Tax structure and tax compliance becomes simpler for builders.
- GST Council decided that the issue of tax rate on lottery needs further discussion in the GoM constituted in this regard.
The decisions of the GST Council have been presented in this note in simple language for easy understanding. The same would be given effect to through Gazette notifications/ circulars which alone shall have force of law.
Special Service and Features
Awareness on TB at school and college level Tamil Nadu TB Prevention Programme Additional Director
Tamil Nadu Tuberculosis Prevention Programme Additional Director Dr Asha Frederick has said awareness about TB needs to be created at school and college level and the TB Prevention Programme is being implemented with the aim of creating a Tuberculosis-free India by 2025.
A workshop for journalists on tuberculosis eradication was jointly organised by the Press Information Bureau, Chennai and Directorate of Medical and Rural Welfare Services at the Public Medical Health Complex in Teynampet, Chennai today.
Dr Asha Frederick, who presided over the workshop, said everyone should be careful as tuberculosis can affect any part of the body. She said testing centres were being set up to diagnose tuberculosis. She also said everyone should be aware of tuberculosis like corona and that our goal is to create a Tuberculosis-free India by 2025.
Speaking on the occasion, Consultant, Tuberculosis Prevention Unit, World Health Organisation. Dr Prabhu Ravanan said 37 per lakh people in India die of tuberculosis. He also said mobile testing centers were being set up at village level to diagnose tuberculosis and the number is set to increase. He said the government was providing financial assistance to TB patients through direct bank transfers.
A TB survivor and awareness volunteer from Vellore, Poovitha shared her experiences. The event was attended by officials of the Press Information Bureau, Chennai and journalists.
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Ministry of Defence
BRO kick-starts celebrations to mark 75 years of Independence
Key Highlights:
- Gallantry Award winners & War Heroes felicitated in Uttarakhand & Sikkim
- Medical camps, plantation drives & School Samvad being organised across the country as part of the celebrations
- National Flag to be unfurled on Independence Day at 75 Highest Passes of India
Border Roads Organisation  kick-started its celebrations of ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’, commemorating 75 years of India’s Independence. To mark this momentous occasion, BRO is organising nationwide welfare and patriotic activities/events including 75 medical camps, plantation drives at 75 locations and 75 School Samvad to motivate children through interactions & lectures. The main event would be the unfurling of National Flag on Independence Day at 75 Highest Passes of India.
On August 07, 2021, BRO felicitated the Gallantry Award winners and War Heroes at Pipalkoti & Pithoragarh in Uttarakhand and Chandmari in Sikkim. In a ceremony organised by Project Hirak of BRO at Pithoragarh, tokens of appreciation were awarded to the next of kin of Shaurya Chakra awardees – EEM Prem Singh, Naik Chandra Singh, Driver Ram Singh and DME Damar Bahadur. In a separate ceremony at Pipalkoti, Project Shivalik of BRO felicitated the next of kin of Major Preetam Singh Kunwar, Kirti Chakra; Lance Naik Raghubeer Singh, Shaurya Chakra  and Naib Subedar Surendra Singh, Shaurya Chakra.
at Chandmari in Sikkim, the felicitation ceremony, organised by Project Swastik of BRO, was graced by Minister of Forest and Environment, Government of Sikkim Shri Karma Loday Bhutia. He felicitated three Shaurya Chakra award winners of Sikkim - Subedar Honorary Captain Kishore Rai, Naik Dhan Bahadur Chhetri and Para trooper Sonam Tshering Tamang. The locals of the state, who registered themselves on the online Gallantry award portal, were also felicitated.
All the events were attended by key personalities from the state and included motivational talks and tales of valour of the War Heroes.
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Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
COVID-19 UPDATE
220.66 cr Total Vaccine doses  have been administered so far under Nationwide Vaccination Drive
1,010 doses administered in last 24 hours
India's Active caseload currently stands at 13,037
Active cases stand at 0.03%
Recovery Rate currently at 98.79%
2,100 recoveries in the last 24 hours increases Total Recoveries to 4,44,37,304
656 new cases recorded in the last 24 hours
Daily positivity rate 
Weekly Positivity Rate 
92.87 cr Total Tests conducted so far; 1,16,603 tests conducted in the last 24 hours
Ministry of Education
Female enrolment in IITs has increased from 8% in 2016 to 20% in 2021-22
To promote the female students for pursuing higher education and research, University Grants Commission  provides special post graduate scholarships for girl students across the country.
Similarly, All India Council for Technical Education  is also giving 10000 scholarships  to the girls entering in the technical education.
To improve female enrolment in the Undergraduate Programmes in IITs, supernumerary seats were created which increased the female enrolment from 8% in 2016 to 20% in 2021-22. Similarly, the enrolment of girls in NITs has increased to nearly 22.1% in 2021-22.
There has been consistent improvement in the enrolment of female students in STEM Courses. As per AISHE Report, the number of female students enrolled in STEM Courses has increased from 4197186 in 2016-17 to 4387248 in 2020-21.
The information was given by the Minister of State for Education, Dr. Subhas Sarkar in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.